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2013 porsche panamera Model Overview

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The 2013 Porsche Panamera offers a variety of engine choices. Apart from the base model, the luxury sport sedan can be purchased in seven trim levels including a hybrid model. Also, in 2013 Porsche has introduced the GTS model, filling the gap between the 4S and the Turbo models, and adding to the impressive Panamera range. No matter which model you sit in, it is undeniably luxurious and comfortable.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera is probably one of the few sport cars that allow easy entry and exit for all passengers. Styled like the 911, the Panamera stands out from other performance sedans.

New For 2013

The 430-hp Panamera GTS joins the lineup for 2013, filling the gap between the 400-horsepower Panamera S and 500-horsepower Turbo. Designed for enthusiasts, the GTS is fitted with a sportier air-suspension setup, torque-vectoring rear axle, brakes sourced from the Turbo, and the Sport Chrono pack as standard equipment. Outside, the Panamera GTS features quad exhaust pipes and blackout headlights.

Exterior

Even though the Panamera has four doors, it undeniably conforms to the design language of other Porsche models. The 2013 Porsche Panamera is a four-passenger sedan that comes in eight trims: Base, 4, S, 4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and S Hybrid. Exterior dimensions like length, width and wheelbase exceed those of other midsize luxury sedans. The body, however, is built from lightweight materials like aluminum, boron steel, and magnesium. Due to this, the Panamera is significantly lighter than its smaller competitors. This contributes to its high fuel economy ratings and superior handling. Given Porsche’s special attention to aerodynamics, the Panamera is given a complete underbody shield, reducing wind resistance. There is also a hidden rear spoiler that comes up at high speeds and helps increase rear downforce. The hatchback configuration allows for plenty of rear headroom and cargo space, while also affording the Panamera a sporty coupe-like profile.

The two-wheel drive base model has 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, xenon headlights, power rear hatch, rear parking sensors, and auto-dimming mirrors. The Panamera S and the Panamera 4S have an adaptive suspension and adaptive headlights on top of all the features offered by the base model. The Panamera GTS brings standard 19-inch wheels and special exterior trim, while the Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo S add adaptive air suspension to the mix.

Optional features include ceramic composite brakes and a rear windshield wiper, while the Sport Design package comes with a special front fascia, wider intake grilles and side skirts.

Interior & Cargo

Style elements in the Panamera cabin are reminiscent of the Porsche 911. The tachometer is at the center of the trademark five-ring instrument panel. On the sides are supporting gauges, the speedometer, and a multifunction display. Although there are more than 80 buttons and knobs throughout the cockpit, they are logically grouped. The comfortable seats have integrated headrests and provide excellent support. The trunk has a capacity of 15.7 cubic feet, which increases to 44.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. The hatch opening, however, is somewhat narrow, while the cargo bed is high. The seats in the 2013 Porsche Panamera are relatively low. This proves beneficial for the driver and front passenger, with abundant legroom and headroom. However, it obstructs outside view for rear seat passengers.

The base model offers standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, driver memory functions, and a navigation system. There is also an 11-speaker audio system with USB and iPod connectivity, auxiliary audio jack, and Bluetooth. The S and 4S come with heated front seats and more interior lighting, while the GTS offers 18-way front seats, a steering wheel with paddle shifting, and front parking sensors. The Turbo and the Turbo S add 14-way front seats, keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable steering column, full leather interior, heated rear seats, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system with HD functionality and satellite radio.

There are many ways to customize the interior with various choices of wood, leather, metal, and carbon fiber, while there are countless options like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, or lane change assist.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front and rear side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes are standard on all trims of the 2013 Porsche Panamera. The rearview camera and ceramic-composite brakes are optional. The Porsche Panamera’s high beltline may cause visibility issues; however, with a backup camera and park assist sensors, which are optional, it should not be a problem. Also optional is blind spot warning, which the driver will have to rely more on because the low profile and fixed head restraints make it difficult to turn and glance at the blind spot.

Driving Experience

The 2013 Porsche Panamera may lack the nimbleness of the Porsche 911, but it is a luxury touring car and performance sedan. With engine output ranging from 300 horsepower to 550 horsepower, the Panamera combines agile steering and resolute stability. The two-wheel drive base model has a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine, while the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S both have a 4.8-liter, V-8 engine. The Panamera GTS offers 430 horsepower with its 4.8-liter, V-8 engine, while the Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo S sport a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 engine.

Every Panamera offers several driving modes to suit various preferences. These modes configure the various aspects of the drive, like transmission and throttle response, and firmness of suspension. The V-8 engines offer an amazing performance while the turbocharged V-8 has the best acceleration. Steering and handling is precise, while the transmission can be urgent when accelerating hard or seamless and fluid when cruising down the freeway.

For the respective price tag, each model is properly equipped. Since this is the luxury sport sedan segment, options are plenty. With conveniences such as ventilated and heated rear seats, enhancements like carbon ceramic brake discs, and technology like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, the Porsche Panamera does not fail to deliver. While other performance sedans of similar size may consider themselves rivals of the Panamera, this luxury sport car is more of a four-door coupe than a sedan.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Porsche Panamera

2013 Porsche Panamera Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$75,850

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$50,125

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.